guarana

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noun gua·ra·na \ˌgwä-rə-ˈnä\

Definition of guarana

: a dried paste that is made from the seeds of a South American climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) of the soapberry family, that contains caffeine and tannin, and that is used as a stimulant; also : this plant

Recent Examples of guarana from the Web

The substance is made from raw cacao powder (from cacao pods) and energy-drink ingredients such as taurine and guarana, which have raised alarm regarding their effect on young people when used in large quantities.

— kyle arnold, chicagotribune.com, "Chocolate you can snort? Top lawmaker wants an investigation of Florida company's product," 13 July 2017
The powder, released last month, contains cacao powder as well as ingredients often found in energy drinks, including taurine, guarana, and ginkgo biloba.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Cocaine on training wheels? Snortable chocolate raises eyebrows, angers Schumer," 10 July 2017
According to U.S. News & World Report, the label boasts cacao powder plus ingredients you're probably used to seeing in energy drinks: gingko biloba, taurine, and guarana.

— korin miller, SELF, "So, People Are Snorting Chocolate Called Coco Loko," 7 July 2017
The substance is made of cacao powder, as well as gingko biloba, taurine and guarana, ingredients commonly found in energy drinks.

— krishna thakker, Fortune, "You Can Now Snort Chocolate for Energy," 5 July 2017
Information based on scientific testing should also be made available on the effects of energy drink additives, such as guarana and taurine, that can increase the potency and increase the effects of caffeine.

— pat crawford and wendi gosliner, miamiherald, "Energy drinks have no limits on caffeine levels. They should, say nutrition experts.," 30 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'guarana.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of guarana

Portuguese guaraná, from Nhengatu (Tupi-based lingua franca of Amazonia), from Sateré-Mawé (Tupian language of the middle Amazon River basin) warana

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1838

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Medical Dictionary

guarana

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noun gua·ra·na \ˌgwär-ə-ˈnä\

Medical Definition of guarana

: a dried paste made from the seeds of a Brazilian climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) containing tannin and caffeine and used in making an astringent drink